Why weight loss for women shouldn't start with eating less

Certified nutrition coach Chelsey Buckley is urging women to ditch the "starvation" mindset and rethink their approach to weight loss.

In a viral message shared on 14 February, Buckley challenged the traditional narrative of calorie cutting, asking: “What if weight loss didn't start with 'eating less'?”

She revealed that when working with new clients, she never begins by slashing calories, as most women are already physically and mentally exhausted by restrictive dieting.

Instead of the cycle of crash diets and misery, Buckley advocates for a "supportive" approach focused on protein-rich meals and strength training.

This combination is designed to work with the body’s natural metabolism rather than against it.

“When you focus on getting stronger and eating the right foods, your body starts to change in a way that actually lasts,” she noted, adding that if more women embraced this power-duo, "dieting as we know it would probably go out of style."

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports this philosophy, particularly for women in midlife, noting that strength training is vital for maintaining bone density and muscle mass.

Furthermore, protein provides greater satiety, helping to prevent the loss of lean tissue that often occurs during weight loss.

By focusing on strength and nourishment, Buckley aims to help women move away from "spinning their wheels" and toward sustainable, long-term health.